Well winter is almost here and and that means a bit more work caring for our horses! Feeding horses in winter may need to be increasesd if you have older horses or not so good doers! Feed more hay for fibre and chaff feeds so you can include suppliments and herbs if needed. I always give Rosehips, Garlic and Chamomile in my horses feeds. Provide a mineral lick such as Cobb and Co without the iron but with the copper etc.Watch out for frosty nights and mornings as the new shoots of grass contain more sugar and can cause laminitus.Provide a wind break or shelter especially for the seniors and rug if needed.Check for any muscle strains as it is easy for them to slip in the wet paddocks and it may be a while before you notice anything is wrong as horses are good at compensating!As fibre is the main part of a horse’s diet. i.e. grass, and or hay.They need at least 2% of the horse’s body weight in hay or grass daily but as the paddocks become sparse through winter then feeding extra is a must. Use slow feeder haynets to make it last longer and this is a more natural way for a horse to eat slower and digest it better.Suggested Hay quantities:For a 500kg horse / 2% of fibre is 10kg of food for the day.Divide this up to smaller feeds through the day.3 x day if possible, so each feed should be 3.3kg.If feeding chaff feed as well 1 feed should not weigh more than 2.5kg then add hay also.If on grass and the grazing is good then a chaff feed is all that is required to meet the short falls in vitamins and minerals.If grass is over grazed and short then hay should be given in slow feeder haynets and this helps save your paddocks from over grazing.Basic Chaff feed: Can be split into 2 feeds;2 scoops of Lucerne chaff or Mixed / pony/plain = 400g1 scoop pellets (Maxi Soy/High Gain Zero/Ice, Speedi beet, Prydes easy Fibre) = 300g less if not in work2 tbls salt1 tbls dolomiteLinseed Oil 30ml or 60g ground.Make sure you are up to date on worming and always pick up manure if horses are kept in small areas.Just a few winter tips. Enjoy your horses and if you want to discus anything about your horse or book a massage, feel free to email or phone me. :) Stay warm!!www.hillshorsemassge.com